Read Tracie Peterson & Judith Miller - [Lights of Lowell 01] Online
Authors: A Tapestry of Hope
‘‘That would be fine. Grandmother’s here to help me. Besides, you need to get away from the house more frequently. Be sure you go early in the day so you’re home before the men return. I expect them on the last train this evening.’’
‘‘I’ll be goin’ this mornin’ and will be back afore noon.’’ She dashed down the stairs, retrieved the list from Sarah, and scurried down the road. When she reached the mercantile, she approached Mrs. Paxton. ‘‘I have another errand to attend to. Would ya mind if I left my list to be filled and picked it up in a short while?’’
‘‘That’s fine, Kiara. I’ll have it ready when you return.’’
She ran down the street with her skirt flying in the breeze and her pounding shoes leaving tiny clouds of dust in her wake. She knocked on the door and waited, dancing from foot to foot.
‘‘Where is she? Where is she?’’ she muttered into the morning air.
Finally she heard footsteps nearing the door. ‘‘Granna Murphy!’’ she exclaimed when the door opened. ‘‘Can I come in?’’
The old woman gave her a cordial smile. ‘‘You need na ask, lass. Ya’re always welcome in our home. What brings ya out at this time o’ day? There’s no one to visit but your old Granna Murphy.’’
‘‘I need ya to give Rogan a message.’’
‘‘Sure, and what would yar message be?’’ she asked with a crooked grin.
‘‘It’s urgent I speak to him. Could ya tell him to come to the Houstons’ house and wait at the front of the house near the big tree at eight o’clock? He’ll know which one I mean. Tell him to be sure and stay hidden until I call to him. Please do na ferget, Granna. It’s important.’’
‘‘How could I ferget? I’ll tell him the moment he walks through that door.’’
Kiara leaned down and placed a kiss on the weathered old cheek. ‘‘I wish I could stay and visit, but I must be gettin’ back to the house. Don’t ferget to give him me message.’’
‘‘Off with ya, lass. I’ll na be fergetting, so set yar mind to ease.’’
Bradley forced himself to remain amicable, smiling and nodding at the proper occasions while his level of irritation swelled.
Before they departed from Lowell, Malcolm said they would discuss business on the train. However, it now seemed he was more content discussing his sons and their capable management techniques at The Willows. ‘‘I’m proud of every one of them. They’ve taken hold, and all three are excited about remaining in the cotton business.’’
‘‘Even Samuel? I don’t recall him having strong leadership qualities. Has he made some improvement?’’
Malcolm bristled at the remark. ‘‘There was never anything wrong with Samuel’s abilities. You wanted him to whip the slaves into producing more cotton, but he didn’t feel that was an appropriate measure—nor did I, for that matter. Our success hasn’t depended upon such tactics. In fact, Samuel’s duties will be expanding, and David will be taking over his previous duties.’’
Bradley said no more. He’d once again offended Malcolm Wainwright with his attempts to discredit his eldest son. The remainder of their journey was in silence. Once they arrived in Boston, Bradley hailed a carriage.
‘‘Brackman Hotel on Beacon Street,’’ Malcolm told the driver.
‘‘You’re meeting at the Brackman?’’
‘‘Yes. Nathan told me he’d arrange for us to use a small meeting room at the hotel since I don’t plan to remain overnight.’’
‘‘You’re meeting with Nathan?’’
‘‘Nathan, Josiah Baines, Henry Thorne, and several others. I believe Matthew Cheever was going to come in from Lowell.
Shame about Tracy Jackson. I didn’t realize he’d passed away until Nathan mentioned it in his latest missive.’’
‘‘Yes. Jackson’s passing is a huge loss to the Associates. I didn’t realize you and Nathan were on such an intimate basis.’’
‘‘We’ve only recently corresponded. I find him an engaging man. Quite knowledgeable and an astute businessman.’’
Bradley could feel beads of perspiration beginning to form along his upper lip. What was going on? Why had Malcolm begun corresponding with Nathan Appleton? And more importantly,
what
were they corresponding about?
Nathan greeted them in the hotel foyer. ‘‘I’m surprised to see you, Bradley. Malcolm didn’t tell me you’d be attending the meeting.’’ Bradley watched the two men exchange glances.
‘‘I thought it might be best if Bradley was present. I find it more difficult hearing things after the fact. Secondhand explanations seem to lose something in the translation.’’
Nathan nodded. ‘‘Whatever makes you most comfortable, Malcolm.’’
Bradley watched Nathan pat his father-in-law on the back as though they were old friends as they entered the meeting room. Something had gone amiss. He didn’t know what, but he was certain he was not going to like the tenor of this meeting.
‘‘Why don’t you take over the helm, Malcolm? After all, it was you who suggested this gathering,’’ Nathan said.
‘‘Of course. I’m certain you gentlemen have read my letter and are aware of my growing concerns, both for my cotton shipments as well as my son-in-law’s health and well-being.’’
Bradley stiffened.
My health? My well-being?
What was happening here?
Malcolm continued. ‘‘As I told you in my letter, I want to present my proposal for using my son Samuel as the new buyer of cotton from Southern plantation owners. Samuel already has a working relationship with many of the cotton growers that you hope to entice into contracts. I believe you would see positive results from this. Samuel would take over those duties from Bradley, giving him more time for other duties with the Corporation.
My hope is that you can assign Bradley to duties in Lowell to allow him to spend more time with his wife and new son.’’
Bradley barely stifled his rage. He shifted in his chair and reached for Malcolm’s elbow. ‘‘What are you doing?’’ he asked between clenched teeth. ‘‘I don’t want to be released from my duties as buyer for the Corporation,’’ he whispered forcefully.
Malcolm ignored the plea and maintained his focus upon the other men gathered in the room. ‘‘With Samuel in Mississippi, I envision his role as a buyer who can travel among the plantations, keep track of inventory, arrange for shipments, and handle any other unforeseen circumstances that may occur with the growers.
Additionally, as I stated earlier, with our many contacts in the South, I feel certain Samuel can further expand the number of suppliers as needed. You must realize Southerners are notoriously cautious where Yankees are concerned.’’
The men chuckled as if completely understanding his point.
But Bradley felt like screaming. He was losing control and that was something he didn’t brook well.
Malcolm spoke again. ‘‘And, of course, should the need arise for someone to accompany a shipment for any reason, I have two other sons who could make themselves available for such an assignment. Overall, I believe this will be a much improved method.’’
‘‘I couldn’t agree more,’’ Nathan replied.
‘‘Nor I,’’ concurred Josiah while the other members murmured their assent. ‘‘To be honest, we’ve been very concerned. I don’t know if Nathan informed you, but there have been grave concerns of late regarding the cotton shipments. I, for one, feel much more confident knowing there will be someone in charge who can follow the process and give it his complete devotion. No offense, Bradley, but you’ve certainly not been yourself recently, and by your own admission you feel the need to be closer to home.’’
‘‘If I could have a moment alone with you, Malcolm,’’ Bradley urged. If he didn’t say something soon, he would explode.
‘‘We can talk during our return to Lowell,’’ Malcolm replied.
‘‘Well, gentlemen, if we’re all in agreement, I’ll have Samuel begin his duties as soon as I return to Mississippi.’’
The meeting was adjourned before Bradley had time to drink his second glass of port. He walked out of the hotel in stunned silence, and it wasn’t until they were settled on the train that he once again voiced his objection to his father-in-law.
‘‘If you had a problem with me, I wish you would have brought it to my attention. I truly do not understand why you think this change is necessary. It’s not as though Samuel doesn’t have many duties to perform on the plantation already.’’
‘‘This has nothing to do with the plantation, Bradley. This has to do with the proper handling of the cotton shipments and payments. There needs to be a line of communication between buyers and sellers, an awareness of potential problems or delays. You’ve not handled matters well, my boy. You didn’t even inform your business partners I had written to explain our first harvest would be smaller due to excessive rains and subsequent boll rot.
‘‘After talking with Jasmine and my mother, I’m aware you are suffering under a burden of undue stress. Believe me, you need not feel inadequate. There are few men who could have coped with the magnitude of details and duties you were attempting to handle.’’
Bradley rubbed his forehead, certain he’d heard incorrectly.
‘‘Jasmine and Grandmother Wainwright told you I’ve been unable to cope with my business interests? They spoke against me?’’
‘‘They spoke no ill word against you at all. However, they were gravely concerned about you, my boy. I applaud their efforts on your behalf, and I’m certain that once you’ve begun your new duties in Lowell, you’ll be delighted they took your best interests to heart.’’
Bradley seethed. How dare those two interfering women go over his head and contact Malcolm? Because of them, he was going to lose all of the income he’d come to depend upon. With Samuel managing the shipments and books, there would be no opportunity for Bradley to underhandedly increase his income.
Worse yet, Malcolm was going to find out the percentages were higher than what Bradley had previously divulged. His anger neared a boiling rage, yet he knew he must remain calm.
‘‘When are you planning to return to The Willows?’’ he inquired.
Malcolm appeared puzzled. ‘‘I’ve booked passage for the end of the week, which means we’ve much to accomplish prior to my departure.’’
Bradley arched his eyebrows. ‘‘Such as?’’
‘‘We’ll need at least two to three days to go over the book-work. I’ll want to take the ledgers and accounts with me as well as the contracts and any other papers relating to each buyer’s position. I want Samuel to have opportunity to review all of the paper work so he’ll have a firm footing to begin his new duties. In fact, I gave serious consideration to bringing him with me, but I wasn’t positive the Associates would agree to this change.’’
Bradley grimaced at the thought of Samuel being present for this embarrassment and was thankful Malcolm had thought better of the idea. ‘‘Perhaps it would be best if you spent the remainder of your time visiting with Jasmine. I can have the paper work shipped to you.’’
‘‘I will certainly visit with my daughter, but I want to go over the ledgers with you in order to gain a better understanding of the methods you’ve utilized so that I can explain them to Samuel.
Besides, if I have questions, you can immediately answer them instead of my waiting for weeks to hear from you by mail—and you’re not the best correspondent,’’ Malcolm added.
Bradley turned his attention away from Malcolm and stared out the window. A sick feeling churned in the pit of his stomach.
In the short time remaining, how could he possibly rework the ledgers before revealing them to Malcolm?
Kiara listened at the top of the stairway as the two men returned home later that night. Bradley stormed into the house and went directly to his library, although Kiara thought Mr.Wainwright appeared to be in a rather pleasant mood. She’d need to keep her distance from Bradley. She wanted nothing to interfere with her meeting this evening.
The baby was fast asleep, and Jasmine and GrandmotherWain-wright were busy with their sewing as Kiara entered the room. ‘‘I was wonderin’ if I might go for a little walk, ma’am. I won’t be outside fer long. I’d just like a breath o’ fresh air.’’
‘‘I was thinking about taking a walk myself,’’ Jasmine replied.
‘‘Perhaps I’ll join you.’’
Before Kiara could object, Alice came to the rescue. ‘‘There’s a chill in the air, dear. It could affect your milk. I think it would be best to remain indoors. Midafternoon would be a better time of day for you to take a walk.’’
‘‘Perhaps you’d join me tomorrow afternoon, Kiara?’’
‘‘Certainly, ma’am. I’d be pleased ta go walkin’ with ya on the morrow. But ya do na mind if I go tonight, do ya?’’
Jasmine gave her blessing, and Kiara made her way down the stairway, careful to avoid Bradley. She didn’t know where he might be lurking, but she didn’t want to encounter him this evening. The kitchen was dark, and she managed to slip out the door and around the house without being noticed.
‘‘Rogan, are ya here?’’
‘‘Aye, I’m here. How could I stay away with such a message as ya left with Granna? It sounds as though it’s a matter of life and death.’’
‘‘That it is,’’ Kiara replied, tears of anger and fear welling in her eyes.
‘‘Ah, it can na be as bad as that, lass,’’ he said, pulling her into an embrace. ‘‘Come on now and dry yar eyes and tell me yar problem. We’ll get it solved one way or the other.’’
‘‘Mr. Houston is goin’ to send Paddy to Mississippi, where he’ll be forced to work on the Wainwrights’ cotton plantation. He can na survive such a life, Rogan. And I can na survive without me brother. We’re goin’ ta be just like those slave families Miss Jasmine told me about. We’ll be separated and never see each other again.’’
‘‘Ya know I’ll do whatever I can ta help ya, lass.’’
‘‘I want ya to take Paddy and hide him. Mr. Houston will come lookin’ in the Acre, so ya’ll have to hide him in a place where he won’t think of lookin’.’’
‘‘I do na think yar idea is sound. Thar’s strict penalties when ya break the servitude laws, Kiara.’’
Kiara backed away from him. She could not believe what she’d heard. ‘‘Ya’re more concerned about my indenturin’ papers than Paddy being sent off to some cotton plantation that might as well be on the other side of the world away from me?’’
‘‘I do na want ya endin’ up in more trouble than either of us can handle. What good would ya be doin’ Paddy if ya end up in jail, lass? And do na think they wouldn’t put ya there. If this Mr.